Don Frye vs. Ken Shamrock: PRIDE 19 Split Decision
Don Frye and Ken Shamrock met at PRIDE 19: Bad Blood on February 24, 2002. The three-round heavyweight bout ended with Frye winning by split decision after a 20-minute contest.
Two veterans meet in PRIDE
Frye entered the bout with a wrestling background and a pressure-heavy style. Shamrock brought submission grappling and experience in major mixed martial arts promotions and professional wrestling. It was a meeting of two veteran heavyweights from MMA’s formative period.
A difficult three-round fight
Shamrock attacked with leg locks and other submission attempts, while Frye looked to strike and control the exchanges. The bout remained competitive through all three rounds before the judges awarded Frye a split decision. It took place at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
The fighters’ legacies
The fight brought together two major figures from MMA’s early years. Read more about Don Frye and Ken Shamrock.
